Although outnumbered by Northern forces, Lee decided to exploit a Northern weakness discovered by Stuart and launch a surprise assault. Jackson would make the attack the next day, shattering the Northern line and giving Lee his greatest victory. The Battle of Chancellorsville would, however, cost Jackson his life, and the night conference was the last council for Lee, Stuart and Jackson.

On May 1, 1863, in a small bivouac, illuminated by a campfire, Generals Lee and Jackson were poring over a map, pondering General Joseph Hooker’s position. When J.E.B. Stuart arrived with the startling information that the Union flank was open to attack, Jackson immediately proposed that he boldly march his entire corps around to attack the vulnerable point. Lee agreed, fully aware of the risks of dividing his army before the enemy. Lee and Jackson met the following morning for the last time. Within hours, Hooker’s forces were routed, and Jackson was mortally wounded, mistakenly, by his own men.